| |
| |
|
| Paulo and Mother Teresa, during the 1981 R.I.Convention in São Paulo. Recognizing the importance of her presence, R.I. has made an expressive donation to her assisting works in Pernambuco State, Brazil. |
| |
|
| Paulo Costa (center), when Chairman of The Rotary Foundation 1995-96, with the Trustees. |
| |
|
| Paulo Costa, or Paulo Plus, as he was affectionately called, actively working to PolioPlus Campaing. |
| |
|
| With Pope João Pablo II, Rita and Pablo during the exclusive hearing to the R.I. Board 1978-79, to the time of 1979 R.I. Convention in Rome. |
| |
|
| Paulo V.C. Costa >
The Rotarian |
|
|
| |
| |
For more than 40 consecutive years, Paulo used his exceptional skills as a leader to serve Rotary. His work as Rotarian was recognized through 32 distinctions, that he received from County, State and Federal governments. Fifteen cities in the world awarded him the Honorary Citizen Title, and more than a hundred of Rotary units in Brazil and abroad recognized him as Honorary Member. More recently, he was led to the Emeritus Council of “Brasil Rotário” Magazine.
His involvement with Rotary began on March 7th, 1956, when he joined Santos Rotary Club, being only 26 years old. Five years later, in 1961-62, he became president of his club, firmly projecting himself at 461 District which he would come to govern in 1972-73 (now 4420 District).
Soon after that, in 1978-80, Paulo would already be serving Rotary internationally, as RI Director, providing such a remarkable service, that his own fellows chose him as Vice-President in 1979-80, his last year as Director. In 1981 he became Trustee for the Rotary Foundation 1981-84. In this same year, Paulo would also lead the committee for the 72nd Rotary Convention in São Paulo, which was a wonderful success.
For his intense and distinguished participation in Rotary, Paulo received the “Raimundo de Oliveira Filho” Merit Award, granted annually to a distinguished Rotarian in Brazil.
From the Rotary Foundation, he received the “Citation for Meritorious Services” award, the “Distinguished Services Award”, and the title of “Benefactor”, for his decisive work towards TRF programs, such as Polio Plus Campaign - which aims at the eradication of poliomyelitis from the world by 2005. He was also recognized as Polio Plus Pioneer.
His choice for presiding Rotary International in 1990-91, thus, more than a surprise, was the natural consequence of his effort, merit, recognized leadership ability, and his growing participation in Rotary.
After presiding the organization, Paulo remained strongly involved in the movement, returning to The Rotary Foundation as Trustee in 1991-97, working as its chairman in 95-96, and taking, during the same period, the honoring mission of RI Presidential Representative for the UN from 1994 to 98.
During his more than 40 years of Rotary life, Paulo presided and participated in more than 23 Committees of Rotary International and in 11 Rotary Foundation Committees. He took part in more than 25 RI Conventions and attended six Councils on Legislation. He represented many RI Presidents in more than 45 District Conferences around the world and in more than 20 Regional Rotary Institutes. With the same enthusiasm, he worked as Group Leader, presided Conferences, moderated Rotary Forums and convened Institutes, representing Rotary in all extension of the Ideal of Service, visiting more than 158 countries, being received by the Pope, by Kings and Queens, Presidents and State Authorities.
|
| |
| |
| |
|